As a child, my exposure to religion was limited to a few vague references to a “higher power” and a gift of a children’s Bible that sat untouched on the shelf. Most importantly, I was taught the simple yet profound lesson: “Being a good person is what truly matters.”
I was never baptized, never dragged to church, nor indoctrinated into any specific belief system. Although my parents held strong religious views, particularly my mother, she prioritized teaching me kindness over adherence to Catholicism. She believed that instilling good values didn’t require a religious framework; thus, no particular doctrine was imposed.
My parents were more focused on my character development than on any rituals I might engage in. For some families, religion serves as a guide for moral behavior. For mine, it was irrelevant; they understood that ethics could thrive outside of religious teachings and preferred to allow me the freedom to discover my own beliefs.
Looking back as an adult, I am grateful for my parents’ decision to let me carve my own path. I’m not here to prescribe parenting methods for the religious or non-religious. However, if you’re curious about the upbringing of a child without religion, I can assert with confidence that I possess a strong moral compass.
There is a common misconception that a lack of religion equates to a lack of morality. “Jamie,” people often ask, “How can you hold onto your morals without a God?” Allow me to clarify.
When I was eight, I witnessed a car accident unfold right before my family’s eyes while we were stopped at a traffic light. My father immediately parked the van and dashed into the intersection to assist. He helped one of the victims through a panic attack, and soon, other bystanders joined him in providing aid.
In that moment, I learned the power of compassion and human connection. As I reflect on my upbringing, I recall the numerous times I was encouraged to help others, look out for my neighbors, and extend a helping hand. These values can be found in various sacred texts, but I never needed a holy book to grasp their significance.
When asked about the origins of my morals, I think back to that day when my dad comforted a woman through a shattered car window. I can’t say if a deity was present that afternoon, but I know my father was there, embodying the essence of kindness.
Even at a young age, I understood that doing good matters—not for the promise of reward or punishment in an afterlife, but because it has the potential to profoundly impact others’ lives in the present. On that day, my father was a beacon of hope amidst despair. He reassured that woman that she was not alone, and that inspired me to be that source of light for others.
My upbringing instilled in me the desire to act with integrity—not out of fear of divine retribution or obedience to ancient texts, but because I genuinely believe that how we treat one another shapes our world. Like my parents, I aspire to live in a society characterized by kindness and empathy—unconditionally.
My parents often told me that my generation would inherit the earth, emphasizing that every act of kindness or cruelty contributes to our collective future. That lesson has stayed with me.
Contrary to what some might assume, I didn’t grow up feeling lost or purposeless. Instead, I emerged with a determination to make a positive impact—to be the voice of clarity amidst chaos and the helping hand reaching through barriers.
So, what does a child raised without religion come to believe? My brother, for instance, identifies as a moderate Christian with his own beliefs. I, on the other hand, have embraced atheism, happily residing on the other side of the spectrum. This demonstrates that a child without religious upbringing can grow into a multitude of belief systems.
Regardless of where we each landed, I appreciate having the freedom to explore my beliefs without being told that they define my worth, fate, or morals. When I identify as an atheist, I often encounter discomfort or even hostility, but I’ve learned not to let it affect me.
My focus is on meaningful actions—tackling the stigma surrounding mental health, creating safe spaces for LGBTQ individuals, advocating against inequity, and educating myself and others about systemic injustices. Just as my parents instilled in me, I am committed to doing good and leaving a positive legacy for future generations.
For someone who was raised without a so-called “real” moral framework, I believe I’m doing just fine. If you’re interested in learning more about home insemination, be sure to check out this insightful article. For those exploring the logistics of artificial insemination, Make a Mom is a reliable authority on the subject. Additionally, March of Dimes provides excellent resources for pregnancy and home insemination.
In summary, I grew up without religion but was nurtured with a strong moral foundation rooted in kindness, empathy, and a desire to create a better world. This upbringing allowed me to shape my beliefs freely, leading to a fulfilling and impactful life.